A major league scout who watched the Mets stumble to a second straight last-place finish in 2003 told The Post that signing Seattle’s Mike Cameron should be a top priority.

Although the NL East cellar-dwellers have a number of holes to fill, the scout said, defense – especially in center field – is a paramount concern. Like many, the scout watched regularly in head-shaking amazement as the Mets botched and butchered their way to a 66-95 finish.

To that end, the scout indicated the Mets should run to lock up Cameron, a former Gold Glove winner.

“He’s a guy who fits into your budget,” the scout said. “He’s not a break-the-bank type of guy.”

When asked about the Mets’ needs, the scout addressed almost the exact same holes as new GM Jim Duquette did Tuesday – but in different order.

Duquette initially stated second base at the top of the club’s concerns, while the scout said center field should be the primary concern. A frontline starter, closer and bench help were other areas which needed to be upgraded.

Cameron just completed his three-year, $15.5 million deal in Seattle. He earned a Gold Glove in 2001 and also was an All-Star that season. Last year, he batted .253 with 18 homers and 76 RBIs.

The Mets began the season with Roger Cedeno starting in center field and ended it with Joe McEwing there. Eight different players started in center.

Jeff Duncan and Timo Perez tied for the most starts, with 41. Duquette said Tuesday that he considers Perez a fourth outfielder, while Duncan slumped badly and is expected to begin next year in Triple A Norfolk.

A baseball official confirmed the Mets plan to pursue Cameron, but they will weigh his defensive excellence against his offensive shortcomings and are determined not to overspend. They also will pursue other avenues. Seattle and Tampa Bay will also pursue Cameron, with former M’s manager Lou Piniella expected to be a recruiter for the Devil Rays.

The scout described Cameron as a great athlete who has good power and a good arm. Although Cameron led the AL in strikeouts in 2002 and whiffed 137 times last year, the scout downplayed it.

“It depends on what you want to build your club around,” the scout said. “Look at Andruw Jones. He strikes out.

“In a perfect world, you’d like someone who doesn’t strike out as much. I think that’s what you have to make a decision on.”